The Rheem facility in Rydalmere has again been the location of choice for another Federal commitment to developing Australian manufacturing.
Speaking outside the hot water systems factory, Member for Parramatta Dr Andrew Charlton was joined by Assistant Minister for Trade and Manufacturing Tim Ayres.
Calling Rheem a “key cornerstone” of Sydney’s manufacturing capability, Mr Ayres said the Government was committed to helping local companies like Rheem expand and develop innovative products.
“Water heaters make up about 25 per cent of the average household’s energy use, and so the web of subsidies and regulation that shapes consumption means that consumers often have a difficult choice between low-quality imports and high-quality Australian manufactured product,” he said.
“We’re here to learn more from the company as we develop our approach to building a strategy to support Australian manufacturing.”
Mr Ayres said Anthony Albanese came to Government with the “biggest industry policy offering in Australian history” to rebuild Australian manufacturing.
“We’re also making sure that on the details that matter for the future of industries like this that we’re shaping the future in the interests of reducing emissions, lower household bills and more Australian manufacturing.”
Dr Charlton, whose father used to work at the Rydalmere facility, called Rheem a great Australian company.
“Parramatta has always been a manufacturing powerhouse, and it’s companies like Rheem that are driving the manufacturing future direction of this area,” he said.
“It’s great to have a Government that finally backs Australian manufacturing and is committed to the future of Australian manufacturing.”
The Rydalmere facility became a hot topic early on in the Federal Election when former Prime Minister Scott Morrison held a press conference at the site to promise job creation, despite Rheem already having plans to cut local jobs and move them offshore.
When asked about the job losses, Mr Ayres said he is “very confident” that the Rheem Rydalmere facility will work through these issues with their trade union.
“I’m aware that the company has got some business plan changes that mean that there will be some changes that will have an impact on employment, I want to learn more about what their plans are,” he said.
“We’ve got a commitment as a government, though, to make sure that we’re rebuilding Australian manufacturing.”
Dr Charlton said the Government “backs innovative companies” like Rheem.
“Investments in manufacturing can have lasting impacts,” he said.
“That’s shown by one of Rheem’s employees recently celebrating 60 years at the factory here at Rydalmere.”
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.